The world has been rapidly advancing, with smart technology becoming an indispensable part of our lives. Every year, new smartphones come out with new features, from bigger batteries to better processors and new security features.
As businesses and governments move to digital, it’s important to get a phone with strong security features, especially when dealing with sensitive information. Whether it’s finances and banking or personal information, it’s critical to have a phone that secures all your data, from documents and emails to photos.
We’ll explore the security features of the leading phone brands, including Apple’s iPhone range of devices, Samsung’s Galaxy line, and Google’s Pixel phones. This includes covering features on the device, like fingerprint scanners and apps available to increase phone security.
We’ll also explore the phone brands and models most commonly known for security. If you’re interested in buying a phone with top-of-the-line security features, refurbished devices are also worth considering. Buying refurbished is a great way to experience the latest security features at a fraction of the original price.
The Security Features of Leading Phone Brands
The security features available on the phone depend on several key factors, including the phone’s brand (manufacturer), model, and operating system. For example, the security features available for Apple devices may be different from those available for phones running the Android operating system.
Even manufacturers within the Android ecosystem, like Samsung and Google, may release security measures unique to their phone models. Below, we’ve outlined the main security features available for the leading phone brands: Apple’s iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel.
iPhone
When it comes to phone security, the iPhone is one of the best choices for a safe smartphone—Apple and security are almost synonymous. Reviewers rated the iPhone 15 as Apple’s most security-intensive smartphone device and ranked it on many top five most secure phone lists.
Apple has taken huge steps to improve system security, especially in the later iPhone models. This is especially important if you use your phone for business or handling sensitive data. iOS 16, for example, has a special ‘Lockdown Mode’ that enables ‘extreme protection’, which Apple claims can block out intrusive spyware and cyberattacks.
The latest generations of iPhones include biometric authentication security measures, like Face ID. These allow users to restrict access to devices and other system features, like authorising transactions, through fingerprint scanning and facial recognition.
The App Store available for iPhones is also heavily curated. Apple maintains strict control over any apps and games published on the store, putting them through rigorous tests and quality checks before they’re available for download. This adds an extra layer of protection to iPhone devices, as it helps ensure apps are free of any malware and haven’t been tampered with.
In recent years, Apple has also been placing privacy as a major priority for the company, adding enhanced privacy controls on its iPhone and ‘App Tracking Transparency’. App Tracking Transparency lets you view and control what information is used and collected. With the iOS 15 update, it’s even possible to hide your email address, hide internet activity, keep track of app permissions, and more.
Apple’s built-in messaging software, iMessage, recently received an update to safeguard conversations and provide end-to-end encryption. This is known as ‘contact key verification,’ which ensures users are communicating with their intended recipient.
In the later models of iPhones, users can also now blur sensitive images and videos before viewing them. This feature applies to Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime messages, and other third-party apps that use images/videos.
Samsung Galaxy
When it comes to the Android ecosystem, Samsung’s Galaxy range of devices is one of the best options and is packed with security and safety features. Most Samsung Galaxy phone models feature biometric security, an optional feature that allows users to restrict access to the phone itself and other software with either facial recognition or fingerprints.
Samsung Galaxy phones also come with an auto blocker feature built in. This feature allows users to block apps from authorised stores, enable app security checks, and disable potential commands sent through the USB cable.
Galaxy phones also have a ‘More security’ option in settings. These options include enabling secure folders to store private and sensitive information like photos and folders. The ‘Secure Wi-Fi’ option is also available when connecting to public or unsecured networks.
It’s also possible to use the Galaxy phones ‘Samsung Pass feature to add another layer of protection to all apps and accounts by requiring biometrics to authenticate. Samsung devices also have the ability to encrypt/decrypt SD cards, which is rare for smartphones but valuable if you need extra security for expandable storage.
Google Pixel
It’s hard to go wrong when choosing a Pixel device for security. Google is the developer of the Android operating system, which means the Pixel device always gets updates, including security updates, first and consistently.
Google states that they design Pixel phones to “respect [user] privacy” using advancements in Google’s protected computing technology. This level of protection extends from the hardware itself to the user’s personal information, applications, and data.
The Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro onward feature a built-in VPN. This VPN protects your online activity, whether using an app, playing a game, or browsing the web.
The Google Pixel phone also makes it easier to control and manage privacy and security settings by streamlining them and making them both accessible in the same settings area. It also includes tips for helping you improve security and spot any safety risks.
Pixel devices also have built-in anti-phishing protection. This feature notifies users of potential threats from phone calls, text messages, emails, and links sent through other apps, like Facebook Messenger.
In the Pixel’s settings, you can also control and manage the permissions for all of your apps. This includes heavy control over the data, software, and hardware an app can use, such as location data or the device’s microphone.
Which Is Typically The Most Secure Phone To Buy?
The most secure phone to buy will depend on your needs for privacy, security features, and control over data. For instance, the best phone for security will be different for an individual using their device for business purposes compared to personal use.
When purchasing a phone for security, we also recommend considering a phone still receiving support from its manufacturer. Most manufacturers support their devices for 4 to 7 years. If a phone you are considering isn’t supported, it won’t receive the latest security updates and features. Below, we’ve listed a few well-rated phones for overall security.
- Apple’s iPhone range (iOS)
- Google’s Pixel flagship phones (Stock Android OS)
- Samsung Galaxy A, S, and Z series (Modified Android OS)
- OPPO (ColorOS)
How To Increase Your Phone’s Security
Aside from the built-in security features that come bundled with modern smartphones, there are a few other ways to increase your phone’s security. Below, we’ve outlined the additional steps you can take to secure your data and privacy.
- Use strong and unique passwords that combine numbers, letters, and symbols. Avoid simple patterns for PINs, like “123456.”
- Enable biometric authentication wherever possible, including authorising transactions, logging into accounts, and opening apps.
- Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) for all your accounts, including your email, social media platforms, and banking apps.
- Only download apps from trusted sources. Stick to official app stores like Google Play and Apple App Store.
- After installing a new app, always review its permissions to check the privacy options and what data it requests.
- On newer devices, full-disk encryption can be enabled. This protects your data if your phone is stolen or lost.
- If possible, activating a VPN on your phone is an excellent way to secure your data and privacy when using online apps or browsing the web.
Buy Secure Refurbished Phones at OzMobiles
If you’re looking to buy a refurbished phone, check out the stock we have here at OzMobiles. You get a guarantee that the phone is secure, completely wiped from all previous data and factory reset. Our refurbished stock includes the latest Samsung Galaxy devices, iPhones, and Google products.
All the devices we sell undergo a thorough 72-point quality check during the refurbishment process, which also ensures the phone isn’t tampered with and all components are fully functional and running optimally.
Our devices, including Apple’s iPhone range and Android devices, come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return period. So, if you run into any problems or change your mind, the OzMobiles support team is there to help.
At OzMobiles, we pride ourselves on offering the best deals on refurbished phones. So, if you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10 (terms and conditions apply). We also stock a range of phone accessories in our store, including smartwatches, power banks, headphones, and cables.
If you have any questions about our refurbished phone range or how to improve your device’s security, reach out and contact us. The OzMobiles team would be happy to answer any queries and connect you with the right phone for your needs.
